Justification:
This species is listed as Vulnerable because of a population decline, estimated to be >30% over the last three generations (generation length of six years; Pacifici et al. 2013), inferred from exploitation of maternity caves, and suspected from habitat destruction and degradation. This species reproduces in a very limited number of caves and is vulnerable to vandalism. It lives in a very limited habitat type which is disappearing rapidly.

It is frequently observed in areas of distribution unless absent due to seasonal migration and restricted to narrow habitat types. It might become uncommon in certain parts of its geographic range (Reid 1997).

This bat roosts in caves, mines and in some cases in abandoned buildings and tunnels, often in colonies of several thousand. It emerges about an hour after sunset to feed on cactus fruit, nectar and pollen of plants in several families (Agavaceae, Cactaceae, Bombacaceae; Fleming and Nassar 2002). It lands on the flowers or may hover for short periods to feed. Night roosts, including buildings, are used after feeding (Reid 1997). It is associated with thorn scrubs, spiny forests and dry forests, and is highly dependent on columnar cacti and agaves (Fleming and Nassar 2002, Nassar et al. 2003). The ecosystem is restricted, fragmented throughout its range, and mostly outside protected areas in all countries. This species is "keystone" in its ecosystem as a long-distance pollinator and seed disperser of agave and columnar cacti (and other plants associated with the habitat type). Direct and indirect evidence indicate that this species is migratory, however, not all subpopulations migrate annually (Simal et al. 2015), and colonies are sexually separated. It breeds on islands and the Paraguana Peninsula (Venezuela) and restricted to a low number of specific breeding caves. It as a unique sexual behaviour among bats, consisting in female choice mediated by an odoriferous dorsal patch present in males during the breeding season (November-December; Nassar et al. 2008, Muñoz-Romo et al. 2011).

Conversion of the ecosystem, which is rapidly being developed, is the primary threat and most of the habitat is outside of protected areas in all countries. There is only a narrow range of the habitat type and part of this is coastal, where much human expansion is occurring. Caves are very specific and threatened by vandalism. No effective protection measures have been implemented in them. Maternity colonies are scarce, extremely vulnerable and highly susceptible to human disturbance.

In-Place Research, Monitoring and PlanningIn-Place Land/Water Protection and Management Conservation sites identified:Yes, over part of range Occur in at least one PA:YesIn-Place Species ManagementIn-Place Education